Nelson Mandela: What Made A Good Leader Great?

The 95-year-old anti-apartheid revolutionary politician who became South Africa's first black president died on Thursday night. Global leaders have come forward to pay tribute to the former South African president. We have compiled excerpts of the speeches of global leaders mourning the demise of great leader.

Born on July 18, 1918, Rolihlahla Mandela started his expedition of life in the small village of Mvezo, Eastern Cape. Mandela symbolized a new class of African freedom fighters, breaking from rest of leaders of his period such as Robert Mugabe by serving one term.

The African National Congress observed the need for sturdier action against the apartheid government, and Mandela lent a hand and launched an armed wing to attack the apartheid government. According to Mandela, the armed fight was a defence mechanism against government violence.

"My people, Africans, are turning to deliberate acts of violence and of force against the government in order to persuade the government, in the only language which this government shows by its own behavior that it understands. If there is no dawning of sanity on the part of the government -- ultimately, the dispute between the government and my people will finish up by being settled in violence and by force," admitted Mandela at that time.

In 1962, Mandela surreptitiously received military training in Morocco and Ethiopia. When he come back home later in 1962, he was arrested. On February 11, 1990, Mandela was released from prison to a roaring approbation. After his release, Mandela served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999.

In 1993, Mandela and Former South African President F.W. de Klerk were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for '"transitioning the nation from a system of racial segregation." Klerk depicted their first meeting as: "I had read, of course, everything I could read about him beforehand. I was well-briefed. I was impressed, however, by how tall he was. By the ramrod straightness of his stature, and realized that this is a very special man. He had an aura around him. He's truly a very dignified and a very admirable person."

Many South Africans called him Madiba, his traditional clan name. Others lovingly called him Tata, the word for father in his Xhosa tribe.

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said: "Nelson Mandela was one of the great figures of Africa and of the last century, "Nelson Mandela was one of the great figures of Africa, arguably one of the great figures of the last century."

"He was the father of modern South Africa. A truly great man," continued Abbott.

South African President Jacob Zuma called Mandela father of nation while mourning his death: "Our people have lost a father. Although we knew this day was going to come, nothing can diminish our sense of a profound and enduring loss. His tireless struggle for freedom earned him the respect of the world. His humility, passion and humanity earned him their love."

British Prime Minister David Cameron said mourned the great loss : "A great light has gone out in the world. Nelson Mandela was a hero of our time."

Former U.S. President Bill Clinton dubbed him as champion for human dignity and freedom: "History will remember Nelson Mandela as a champion for human dignity and freedom, for peace and reconciliation. We will remember him as a man of uncommon grace and compassion, for whom abandoning bitterness and embracing adversaries was not just a political strategy but a way of life.... All of us are living in a better world because of the life that Madiba lived. He proved that there is freedom in forgiving, that a big heart is better than a closed mind, and that life's real victories must be shared."

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key said he was a remarkable man: "Nelson Mandela was an inspirational leader, and a remarkable man. ... For years he symbolised South Africa's hope for a future free from apartheid. Mr. Mandela was a force for change, not only in South Africa, but around the world."

In 2010, when South Africa has won the football World Cup, Mandela said he felt "like a boy of 15."

In July that year, Mandela smiled and gesticulated at fans during the final of the tournament in Johannesburg's Soccer City. Sadly It was his final public appearance.

"I would like to be remembered not as anyone unique or special, but as part of a great team in this country that has struggled for many years, for decades and even centuries. The greatest glory of living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time you fall," stated Mandela.

FIFA President Sepp Blatter described his sportsman spirit by saying : "He and I shared an unwavering belief in the extraordinary power of football to unite people in peace and friendship, and to teach basic social and educational values as a school of life. When he was honoured and cheered by the crowd at Johannesburg's Soccer City stadium on 11 July 2010, it was as a man of the people, a man of their hearts, and it was one of the most moving moments I have ever experienced. For him, the World Cup in South Africa truly was 'a dream come true.' Nelson Mandela will stay in our hearts forever."

With his demise, South Africans are left to embody his legacy.

May your soul rest in peace!

Watch: Australia PM hails Ex Presicent Mandela as 'truly great man'

President Obama Speaks On Nelson Mandela: 'We Will Not Likely See The Likes Of Nelson Mandela Again' Read HERE